one week southern kimberley cruise

Broome-Mitchell Plateau: Cruise Broome-Hunter River (departing 2-3pm), helicopter Hunter River-Mitchell Plateau, scenic flight Mitchell Plateau-Broome (arriving between 12 noon-4pm) Mitchell Plateau-Broome: Scenic flight Broome-Mitchell Plateau (departing between 6-8am), helicopter Mitchell Plateau-Hunter River, cruise Hunter River-Broome (arriving 8-9am) "4 tiered waterfalls; 1000 islands; a 400 square km reef that rises from the ocean; tidal forces pushing water through narrow gaps to fill an inland sea; mystical Aboriginal art; cascading waterfalls; succulent seafood... The Southern Kimberley is a pearl waiting to be discovered."

broome-mitchell plateau cruise/fly itinerary


DAY 1: Broome - Cape Leveque

All aboard for your "Kimberley Discovery Cruise". You will be picked up from your accommodation and transferred to the beautiful Gantheaume Point Beach. From there you will board the luxury catamaran K2O to depart at approximately 2.00 p.m. and cruise north along the world famous Cable Beach. Enjoy a cocktail on the sun deck and soak up the vivid colours of the Kimberley and our spectacular sunsets.

DAY 2: King Sound - Cockatoo Island - Croc Creek - Whirlpool Passage

Wake the next morning as the K2O passes Cape Leveque and glides into King Sound. Enjoy an irresistible breakfast on the rear deck while the captain sets a course to Whirlpool Passage. Massive whirlpools form at the entry to the passage while the passage itself meanders gracefully between colossal cliffs of sandstone. Head north again to Cockatoo Island and stop for lunch and a swim in the fresh water at Crocodile Creek. Travelling through the Koolan Island passage you stop at Leadline Creek for your first attempt to catch the prized Barramundi. Late in the evening while you enjoy a cocktail, make way toward the world renowned Horizontal Waterfalls in peaceful Talbot Bay.

DAY 3: Talbot Bay - Horizontal Falls

In the morning join your experienced crew on board the excursion dinghies as they guide you expertly through the rapids of the Horizontal Falls. Then travel deep into the bottom of Talbot Bay and drift quietly through tidal rivers surrounded by massive colourstone cliffs. Then on board the K2O where you enjoy a cooked breakfast as we cruise to Doubtful Bay. The Kimberley is renowned for fishing and you're about to find out why. Join a fishing party and set out to a secret location in this area. Fish is definitely on the menu today and very soon you will be catching it. You may prefer to take another swim in a nearby fresh water billabong or observe the interesting flora and fauna of the area. While enjoying your reward of fresh fish for dinner, steam to the Raft Point area.

DAY 4: Raft Point - Red Cone Hill

Wake to the splendour of Steep Island and the satin like sea that often occurs in the area. Onto the excursion dinghies and after a short boat ride you will have the opportunity to see some of the best preserved Wandjina cave painting in the Kimberley. During breakfast k2o takes the 15 n/ mile steam to Red Cone Hill. After another fishing expedition cool off in the waterfalls and explore the beautiful fresh water billabongs above. Spend the late afternoon relaxing with a drink as you settle into another Kimberley twilight.

DAY 5: Montgomery Reef

Weigh anchor as you wake to yet another spectacular morning and yet another equally spectacular breakfast. Shortly after your journey leads you to the awesome "Montgomery Reef" a massive untouched aquatic eco-system. Glide through Turtle Ally, here you will see a huge variety of sea life including giant Mantas and many different varieties of fish and turtles. Thousands of waterfalls appear from nowhere as the tide falls quickly to uncover the massive reef that covers hundreds of square kilometres. Back on the luxurious K2O to set course for the peace and tranquility of the Kuri Bay area, but not before an opportunity to catch the evening meal. During the early evening, make way to the entry of the majestic Prince Regent River.

DAY 6: Prince Regent River - King Cascade - Camp Creek

Early risers have the opportunity to pursue another fishing opportunity while the rest of the group wind their way up Camp Creek to visit the tranquil falls and inspiring gorges. Enjoy morning tea set beside a billabong lined with water lilies, look and listen to the big variety of birds in the area. Back on board k2o moves with the tide further up the river to the "King Cascade". Take the opportunity to climb high above the falls and swim in the crystal clean waterways while others soak up the excitement on board the K2O as she is moored at the base of the cascading torrent of water. Before setting course for our overnight stop at Saint George Basin take the opportunity to photograph the ancient Salt Water Crocodile, which make a regular appearance in the area.

DAYS 7 and 8: Hunter River, Mitchell Plateau

The Hunter is a spectacular river, the towering cliffs, lush vegetation and abundance of wildlife is inspiring. But the opportunity to fish and collect mud crabs for lunch can be a real distraction. The next stop is Bigge Island. On the way we visit Careening Bay, the site where in 1820 the explorer Philip Parker-King careened his vessel HMS Mermaid. An ancient boab tree with the ships name engraved in it stands as testimony to this. On reaching Bigge Island you will visit a variety of exceptional rock art sites including several sites of the controversial Bradshaw paintings. Low tide provides a great opportunity to collect the abundance of oysters some as big as bread and butter plates.

This day has come all too soon. But the adventure is not over yet. Take another dinghy ride down the Mitchell River to meet the helicopter on a remote beach. After a quick goodbye you are flown over the magnificent falls and away to the remote airstrip where your charter aircraft awaits to return you to Broome. On arrival in Broome a courtesy car will transport you to your accommodation.

PLEASE NOTE:

Accommodation in Broome is not included. Please arrange to arrive in Broome at least 24 hours prior and after travel to avoid disappointment should there be any delays. During the season (May to September) accommodation in Broome is in high demand and we recommend that once your cruise dates have been confirmed, you book your accommodation without delay.